Dear neighbors,
First of all, I’d like to congratulate all our local high school graduates. This year’s senior class had to overcome unprecedented challenges in order to reach this milestone. You should be very proud of your accomplishment! I wish you all the best as you take your next steps.
Update from the Capitol
The 2022 legislative session concluded a few weeks ago. We passed several bipartisan bills before adjourning, including legislation to:
- Replenish the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, preventing any increase in unemployment insurance tax rates for small businesses and ensuring Minnesotans have access to this safety net
- Support veterans and Gold Star families
- Modernize Minnesota’s liquor laws so local breweries, wineries, and distilleries can grow and compete with legacy plans
- Invest in more than 100 projects to protect our environment
It is still my hope to add more items to this list. When the legislative session ended, lawmakers were close to making bipartisan progress in several other areas. Many of us are still working hard to deliver support for students, improve public safety, address rising costs, and more. However, Senate Republicans have refused to return to the Capitol to finish this important work. Due to their inaction, there will be no additional funding for education, public safety, health care, or tax cuts this year.
Rep. Kelly Morrison and I held a town hall shortly after the legislative session ended. Thank you to all the community members who joined us! We appreciated the conversation and questions.
Bonus Pay for Frontline Workers
One of our notable bipartisan accomplishments was delivering $500 million worth of bonus pay for frontline workers. Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans are eligible for these payments, including health care workers, first responders, child care workers, food service workers, retail workers, and more. If you helped keep our state running during the darkest days of the pandemic, please visit frontlinepay.mn.gov/ to determine if you’re eligible and apply. Applications will be accepted until Friday, July 22.
COVID Vaccines Available for Young Children
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved two COVID-19 vaccines for children who are six months old or older. The first doses are expected to arrive in Minnesota this week, and a large network of providers is prepared to administer the vaccines once they arrive.
Parents and guardians who wish to vaccinate their child should contact their regular pediatrician, primary health care provider, and local pharmacies to see if appointments are available. The state’s Vaccine Locator Map can help families find providers in their area. More information about COVID vaccines for children is available at mn.gov/vaxforkids.
Stay in Touch
If you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to contact me! You can reach me by email at rep.patty.acomb@house.mn or call (651) 296-9934.
Sincerely,
Patty Acomb
State Representative